19-Year-Old Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Teenager at Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion

Oct.23,2026

ST. CROIX, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — A 19-year-old man has been arrested and charged in connection with the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Ky’Jahnny Niles at the Walter I.M. Hodge Pavilion on October 22, according to the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD).

Police reported that at approximately 9:07 p.m., the department’s gunshot detection system alerted the 911 Emergency Call Center to shots fired in the pavilion area.

Responding officers discovered two male victims suffering from gunshot wounds. Both were transported to Juan F. Luis Hospital, where Niles was pronounced dead. The second victim, an 18-year-old man, was treated and reported to be in stable condition.

Following an investigation by the VIPD Major Crime Unit, detectives identified 19-year-old Carim Fingal as a suspect. He was subsequently arrested and charged with First-Degree Murder, Assault in the First Degree, and Carrying a Dangerous Weapon During the Commission of a Crime.

Fingal was unable to post bail set at $1 million and was transported to the John A. Bell Adult Correctional Facility. According to police, he was scheduled to appear before the Superior Court for an advice-of-rights hearing on Monday, October 26.

The VIPD thanked community members for their cooperation and encouraged anyone with information about the shooting to contact the Major Crime Unit at 340-778-2211, Crime Stoppers VI at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or call 911.

The investigation remains ongoing. An arrest and criminal charges are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.